Phototool having a strut for holding hinged members in an opened position

ABSTRACT

A phototool having hinged first and second members with a strut assembly holding the members in the opened positioned. The length of the strut assembly varies as the members are moved to opened and closed positions.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

"PHOTOTOOL WITH A GLASS MEMBER CONNECTED TO A FRAME MEMBER WITH ANADHESIVE AND APPARATUS FOR CONNECTING SAME", U.S. Ser. No. 250,325,filed Sept. 27, 1988,; "PHOTOTOOL WITH HINGE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FORCONSTRUCTING HINGE ASSEMBLY", U.S. Ser. No. 250,602, filed Sept. 28,1988; and "KIT FOR MAKING A PHOTOTOOL", U.S. Ser. No. 250,706, filedSept. 28, 1988.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A strut for holding hinged members in an opened position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a phototool constructed in accordance withthe present invention showing the frame assemblies in the closedposition.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the phototool of FIG. 1 showing theframe assemblies in the closed position.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the phototool of FIGS. 1 and 2showing the frame assemblies in the opened position.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a hinge used with the phototool with FIGS.1, 2 and 3 constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the hinge of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge of FIG. 4, but not showingthe hinge plates.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an apparatus for connecting the glassmember to the frame member for forming the frame assemblies used withthe phototool shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

FIG. 8 is a sectional, diagrammatic view of the apparatus of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a portion of a modified frame member and amodified glass member with modified edges.

FIG. 10 is a side view of another modified frame member with modifiededges.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing yet another modified frame member and yetanother modified glass member with modified edges.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing still another modified frame member andstill another modified glass member with modified edges.

FIG. 13 is a side view showing one other modified frame member and oneother modified glass member with modified edges.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a second arm of a typical strut.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the second arm of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the second arm of FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a first arm of a typical strut.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the first arm of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a top view of a clevis of a typical strut showing the hingepin in place, but without the second arm connected thereto.

FIG. 20 is a top view of a typical strut assembled.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the strut of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a top view of a glass member with plates connected theretovia adhesive for illustrating the components of a kit for constructing aphototool.

FIG. 23 is a top view of the glass member of FIG. 22 showing the variouscomponents of the assembled phototool connected thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 is a phototool constructed in accordance withthe present invention and designated by the general reference numeral10. The phototool 10 generally consists of a first frame assembly 12(sometimes referred to as a first member) and a second frame assembly 14(sometimes referred to as a second member).

The first frame assembly 12 is generally rectangularly shaped. The firstframe assembly 12 has a first side 16, an opposite second side 18, afirst end 20, an opposite second end 22, an upper surface 24 and a lowersurface 26.

The second frame assembly 14 also is generally rectangularly shaped. Thesecond frame assembly 14 includes a first side 28, an opposite secondside 30, a first end 32, an opposite second end 34, an upper surface 36and a lower surface 38.

The first frame assembly 12 is disposed generally on the upper surface36 of the second frame assembly 14 with the lower surface 26 of thefirst frame assembly 12 being disposed generally adjacent the uppersurface 36 of the second frame assembly 14 in a closed position (shownin FIGS. 1 and 2) of the first and the second frame assemblies 12 and14. The second frame assembly 14 has a width generally between the firstand the second sides 28 and 30 which is slightly larger than the widthof the first frame assembly 12 generally between the first and thesecond sides 16 and 18 so that, in a closed position of the first andthe second frame assemblies 12 and 14, the first side 28 of the secondframe assembly 14 is disposed generally near and spaced a small distancefrom the first side 16 of the first frame assembly 12 and the secondside 30 of the second frame assembly 14 is spaced a distance from thesecond side 18 of the first frame assembly 12, thereby leaving aconnecting portion 42 on the second frame assembly 14. In the closedposition of the first and the second frame assemblies 12 and 14, thefirst end 20 of the first frame assembly 12 is generally aligned withthe first end 32 of the second frame assembly 14 and the second end 22of the first frame assembly 12 is generally aligned with the second end34 of the second frame assembly 14.

The second frame assembly 14 is hingedly connected to the first frameassembly 12 via a pair of hinge assemblies 44 and 46. One portion ofeach of the hinge assemblies 44 and 46 is secured to the connectingportion 42 of the second frame assembly 14 and another portion of eachof the hinge assemblies 44 and 46 is secured to a portion of the uppersurface 24 of the first frame assembly 12, generally near the secondside 18 of the first frame assembly 12. The hinge assembly 44 isdisposed generally near the first ends 20 and 32 of the first and thesecond frame assemblies 12 and 14 respectively and the hinge assembly 46is disposed generally near the second ends 22 and 34. The hingeassemblies 44 and 46 connect the second frame assembly 14 to the firstframe assembly 12 so that the first frame assembly 12 can be hingedlymoved in a generally upwardly direction 48 (FIG. 3) to the openedposition (FIG. 3) with respect to the second frame assembly 14 and sothat the first frame assembly 12 may be moved in a generally downwardlydirection 50 (FIG. 3) to the closed position FIGS. 1 and 2) with respectto the second frame assembly 14.

Phototools, such as the phototool 10, commonly are used in producingprinted circuit boards. In this type of process, a photomask isimprinted on a portion of the first frame assembly 12 or the secondframe assembly 14 or, in some instance, a photomask may be imprinted onboth the first and second frame assemblies 12 and 14 when it is desiredto photographically impose a pattern on both sides of a substrate.Phototools, sometime referred to in the art as photomask assemblies, arewell known in the art and a detailed description of the general use andoperation of phototools is not deemed necessary.

A pair of grip bars 52 and 54 are connected to the upper surface 24 ofthe first frame assembly 12 generally adjacent the first side 16 of thefirst frame assembly 12 with the grip bar 52 being disposed generallynear the first end 20 and the grip bar 54 being disposed generally nearthe second end 22 of the first frame assembly 12. The grip bars 52 and54 are positioned and adapted so that an individual can grip one or bothof the grip bars 52 and 54 for manually raising or lowering the firstframe assembly 12 in the respective directions 48 and 50.

One end of a strut assembly 56 is pivotally connected to the uppersurface 36 of the second frame assembly 14 generally near the first end32. The opposite end of the strut assembly 56 is movably connected tothe upper surface 24 of the first frame assembly 12, generally near thefirst end 20 of the first frame assembly 12.

One end of a strut assembly 58 is pivotally connected to the uppersurface 36 of the second frame assembly 14 generally near the second end34. The opposite end of a strut assembly 58 is movably connected to theupper surface 24 of the first frame assembly 12, generally near thesecond end 22 of the first frame assembly 12.

The strut assemblies 56 and 58 are identical in construction andoperation. The strut assemblies 56 and 58 cooperate to support the firstframe assembly 12 in the opened position with respect to the secondframe assembly 14.

The hinge assemblies 44 and 46 are identical in construction and atypical hinge assembly 44 or 46 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 4, 5and 6. The hinge assembly 44 or 46 includes a first hinge plate 60 whichis pivotally connected to a second hinge plate 62 by way of a generallycylindrically shaped hinge shaft 64.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first hinge plate 60 is generally rectangularshaped and includes a portion which is connectable to the upper surface36 of the second frame assembly 14 by way of fasteners, such as screwsor bolts which extend through openings 68 formed through the first hingeplate 60 (only some of the openings 68 being designated by a referencenumeral in FIG. 4). The first hinge plate 60 has a first side 70, secondside 72, first end 74 and a second end 76.

A first protrusion 78, a second protrusion 80 and a third protrusion 82are formed on the first side 70 of the first hinge plate 60 and each ofthe protrusions 78, 80 and 82 extend a distance from the first side 70of the first hinge plate 60.

The first protrusion 78 has a first side 84 and a opposite second side86. An opening 88 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 4) extends through thefirst protrusion 78 intersecting the first and the second sides 84 and86.

The second protrusion 80 has a first side 90 and a opposite second side92. An opening 94 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 4) extends through thesecond protrusion 80 intersecting the first and the second sides 92 and94.

The third protrusion 82 has a first side 96 and an opposite second side98. An opening 100 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 4) is formed throughthe third protrusion 82 intersecting the first and the second sides 96and 98.

The first protrusion 78 is disposed generally near the first end 74 ofthe first hinge plate 60. The third protrusion 82 is disposed generallynear the second end 76 of the first hinge plate 60. The secondprotrusion 80 is disposed generally between the first and the thirdprotrusions 78 and 82. The first protrusion is spaced a distance fromthe second protrusion 80. The second protrusion 80 is spaced a distancefrom the third protrusion 82.

The second hinge plate 62 includes a portion which is adapted to beconnected to the upper surface 24 of the first frame assembly 12 by wayof fasteners, such as screws or bolts, which extend through openings 108(only some of the openings 108 being designated by a reference numeralin FIG. 4) formed through a portion of the second hinge plate 62. Thesecond hinge plate 62 is generally rectangularly shaped and has firstside 110, a second side 112, a first end 114 and a second end 116. Afirst protrusion 118 and a second protrusion 120 are formed on thesecond hinge plate 62 and the first and the second protrusions 118 and120 each extends a distance from the first side 110 of the second hingeplate 62.

The protrusion 118 has a first side 122 and a second side 124. Anopening 126 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 4) is formed through thefirst protrusion 118 intersecting the first and the second sides 122 and124.

The second protrusion 120 has a first side 128 and a second side 130. Anopening 132 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 4) is formed through thesecond protrusion 120 intersecting the first and the second sides 128and 130.

The first protrusion 118 is sized so that, in an assembled position ofthe first and the second hinge plates 60 and 62, the first protrusion118 on the second hinge plate 62 extends generally between the first andthe second protrusions 78 and 80 on the first hinge plate 60. Further,the second protrusion 120 on the second hinge plate 62 is sized suchthat, in the assembled position of the first and the second hinge plates60 and 62, the second protrusion 120 on the second hinge plate 62extends generally between the second and the third protrusion 80 and 82on the first hinge plate 60. In this assembled position, the openings88, 94 and 100 in the protrusions 78, 80 and 82, respectively, aregenerally aligned with the openings 126 and 132 in the protrusions 118and 120, respectively.

A non-rotating insert 140 is disposed in each of the openings 88, 94 and100 of the protrusions 78, 80 and 82 respectively. The non-rotatinginserts 140 are identical in construction and operation. Thenon-rotating inserts are individually identified in FIG. 6 by thereference numerals 140a, 140b and 140c.

Each of the non-rotating inserts 140 includes a cylindrically shapedfirst insert 142 having a first end 144 and a second end 146 (only oneof the first ends 144 and only one of the second ends 146 beingdesignated in FIG. 6 by a reference numeral). A cap 148 is formed on thefirst end 144 of each of the first inserts 142. An opening 149 extendsthrough each first insert 142 intersecting the first and second ends 144and 146.

Each non-rotating insert 140 also includes a second insert 150 whichalso is cylindrically shaped. Each second insert includes a first end152 and a second 154. A cap 156 is formed on the first end 152 of eachsecond insert 150. An opening 158 extends through each second insert 150intersecting the ends 152 and 154.

The diameter of each of the openings 88, 94 and 100 is slightly smallerthan the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of each of the firstinserts 142 and each of the second inserts 150. In an assembledposition, one of the first inserts is inserted through the opening 88 inthe first protrusion 78 to a position wherein the cap 148 engages thefirst side 84 of the protrusion 78. In this assembled position of thefirst insert 142, the first insert 142 extends a distance through theopening 84 terminating with the second end 146 of the first insert 142.

The second insert 150 is inserted through the opening 88 in the firstprotrusion 78 to a position wherein the cap 156 engages the second side86 of the first protrusion 78. In this assembled position of the secondinsert 150, the second insert 150 extends a distance through the opening88 terminating with the second end 154 of the second insert 150. Thefirst and the second inserts 142 and 150 are sized such that, in theassembled position, the second end 146 of the first insert 142 isdisposed generally near the second end 154 of the second insert 150 andthe openings 149 and 158 generally are aligned.

The non-rotating insert 140b is connected to the second protrusion 80 ina manner exactly like described before with respect to the connecting ofthe non-rotating insert 140a to the first protrusion 78. Further, thenon-rotating insert 140c is connected to the third protrusion 82 in amanner exactly like that described before with respect to thenon-rotating insert 140a.

The openings 88, 94 and 100 in the protrusions 78, 80 and 82 are sizedso that the non-rotating inserts 140 have an interference fit with theprotrusions 78, 80 and 82 for substantially preventing the rotation ofthe non-rotating inserts 140 in the openings 88, 94 and 100 during theoperation of the hinge assemblies 44 and 46.

The hinge assemblies 44 and 46 also includes two rotating inserts 160aand 160b. The rotating insert 160a is connected to the first protrusion118 on the second hinge plate 62 and the rotating insert 160b isconnected to the second protrusion 120 on the second hinge plate 62. Therotating inserts 160a and 160b are identical in construction.

Each of the rotating inserts 160 includes a first cap 162 and a secondcap 164. An opening 166 is formed through the first cap 162 and anopening 168 is formed through the second cap 164. A counterbore 170 isformed in a portion of one end of the first cap 162 and a similarcounterbore 172 is formed in a portion of one end of the second cap 164.An annular rib 174 is formed on the first cap 162 generally adjacent thebore 170 and a similar rib 176 is formed on the second cap 164 generallyadjacent the bore 172.

Each rotating insert 160 also includes a cylindrically shaped brace 178.The diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the brace 178 is sizedto be slightly larger than the diameter of the bores 170 and 172 in thefirst and the second caps 162 and 164, respectively, so that the brace178 can be press-fitted into the bores 170 and 172. An opening 184 isformed through each brace 178 intersecting the opposite ends thereof.

To assemble the rotating insert 160a to the first protrusion 118 on thesecond hinge plate 62, one end of the brace 178 first is press-fittedinto the bore 170 in the first cap 162. The first cap 162 with the brace178 connected thereto then is inserted through the opening 126 in thefirst protrusion 118 to a position wherein the first cap 162 engages thefirst side 122 of the first protrusion 118. The rib 174 on the first cap162 is sized to be interference fit into the opening 126 in the firstprotrusion 118 to secure the first cap 162 with the brace 178 connectedthereto in the opening 126 of the first protrusion 118. The second cap164 then is connected to the second side 124 of the first protrusion 118by inserting the rib 176 of the second cap 164 into the opening 126 ofthe first protrusion 118, the rib 176 being sized to be interference fitinto the opening 126. As the second cap 164 is connected to the secondside 124 of the first protrusion 118, the opposite end of the brace 178is inserted into the bore 172 of the second cap 164 and press-fittedtherein to connect the second cap 164 to the brace 178.

The other rotating insert 160b is connected to the second protrusion 120in a manner exactly like that described before with respect toconnecting the rotating insert 160a to the first protrusion 118.

After the non-rotating inserts 140 have been connected to theprotrusions 78, 80 and 82 of the first hinge plate 60 and the rotatinginserts 160 have been connected to the first and the second protrusions118 and 120 of the second hinge plate 62, a hinge shaft 64 is insertedthrough the openings 149 and 158 in the non-rotating inserts 140 andthrough the openings 166 and 168 in the rotating inserts 160. Thediameter of the openings 149, 158, 166 and 168 are slightly less thanthe diameter of the hinge shaft 64 so that the hinge shaft 64 isinterference fitted within the openings 149, 158, 166 and 168. Thediameter of each of the openings 184 in the braces 178 is larger thanthe diameter of the hinge shaft 64 so that the hinge shaft 64 is freelyrotatable within the openings 184. The first and the second caps 162 and164 each are sized and shaped so that the surface areas formed by theopenings 166 and 168 are a minimum to reduce the amount or area ofcontacting surfaces between the first and the second caps 162 and 164and the hinge shaft 64.

The non-rotating inserts 140 are constructed of a plastic material suchas nylon. The rotating inserts 160 also are constructed of a plasticmaterial such as nylon, except for the braces 178 which are constructedof a metal.

The portions of the inserts 140 and 160 which are in contact with thehinge shaft 64 are constructed of a plastic material and the inserts 140and 160 are interference fitted on the hinge shaft 64. Since theportions of the inserts 140 and 160 are constructed of plastic and thehinge shaft 64 is constructed of metal, an interference fit can beprovided between the inserts 140 and 160 and the hinge shaft 64 tosubstantially prevent movement of the inserts 140 and 160 in radialdirections with respect to the hinge shaft 64, yet permitting therotating inserts 160 to be rotatable on the hinge shaft 64 due to theminimum contact surface area between the rotating inserts 160 and thehinge shaft 64. The thrust washers 188a, 188b, 188c and 188d areinterposed between the inserts 140 and 160 as shown in FIG. 6. Ano-clearance fit between the inserts 140 and 160 and 188a, 188b, 188cand 188d once assembled with the shaft 64 prevents axial movement of theinserts 140 and 160 and the hinge plate 60 and 62 with respect to thehinge shaft 64.

In one form, the inserts 140 and 160 may be assembled on the hinge shaft64 in the position shown in FIG. 6. This assembly can then be placed ina mold and the plastic first and second hinge plates 60 and 62 and theprotrusions 78, 80, 82, 118 and 120 can be molded in a single operationabout the assembly consisting of the inserts 140 and 160 and the hingeshaft 64.

When the hinge assemblies 44 and 46 are made in the manner justdescribed by molding the hinge plates 60 and 62 and the protrusions 78,80, 82, 118 and 120 about the assembly comprising the inserts 140 and160 assembled on the hinge shaft 64, the assembly of the hinge assembly44 and 46 is greatly simplified. Further, the openings 88, 94, and 100in the protrusions 78, 80 and 82, respectively, in the openings 126 and132 and the protrusions 118 and 120 automatically are sized to exactlythe precise size for eliminating radial movement of the first hingeplate 60 relatively to the second hinge plate 62. In addition, thisprocess automatically provides a no-clearance fit between the caps 162and 164 of the rotating inserts 160a and 160b, the nonrotating inserts140a, 140b and 140c, and the thrust washers 188a, 188b, 188c and 188dbecause the plastic injected into the mold which forms the hinge plates60 and 62 and particularly forms the protrusions 78, 80, 82, 118 and 120on the hinge plates 60 and 62, is under substantial pressure during themolding process and this pressure in the protrusions 78, 80, 82, 118 and120 has the effect of pushing the rotating inserts 160 firmly againstthe nonrotating inserts 140 with the thrust washers 188 therebetween andmaintaining a no-clearance fit as the plastic cools and becomes solid.This process or procedure for making the hinge assemblies 44 and 46substantially improves the economy of manufacturer.

In operation, the second hinge plate 62 is pivotally movable in theupwardly and downwardly directions 48 and 50 with respect to the firsthinge plate 60, since the portions of the first and the second caps 162and 164 formed by the openings 166 and 168 have a minimum contact areawith the hinge shaft 64 to reduce the frictional contact between thefirst and the second caps 162 and 164 and the hinge shaft 64 therebypermitting the relative movement between the first and the second hingeplates 60 and 62 while maintaining the interference fit. As shown inFIG. 5, the first hinge plate 60 also includes an lower surface 192. Thesecond hinge plate 62 includes an upper surface 198 and a lower surface198. First and the second protrusions 118 and 120 on the second hingeplate 62 are angled so that, when the hinge assemblies 44 and 46 areconnected to the first and the second frame assemblies and the first andthe second frame assemblies 12 and 14 are in the closed position, thelower surface 192 of the first hinge plate 60 is parallel with the lowersurface 196 of the second hinge plate 62 and the lower surface 192 isspaced a distance 198 from the lower surface 196 of the second hingeplate 62. The distance 198 is about equal to the thickness of the firstframe assembly 12 so that, in the closed position of the first and thesecond frame assemblies 12 and 14, the first frame assembly 12 lies flaton the second frame assembly 14 while maintaining the hinge connectiontherebetween provided by the hinge assemblies 44 and 46.

Due to the no-clearance fit between the inserts 140 and 160 and thewashers 188 and the interference fit between the openings in the inserts142 and 150 and the hinge shaft 64, the first frame assembly 12 is notmovable in axial or radial direction with respect to the second frameassembly 14. Thus, the first frame assembly 12 remains positioned withrespect to the second frame assembly 14 even though the frame assemblies12 and 14 are hinged together for movement to opened and closedpositions.

Shims can be disposed under the first hinge plates 60 to accommodatefirst frame assemblies 12 having different thicknesses.

Shown in FIG. 7 is a typical frame assembly 12 or 14 particular adaptedto be used in connection with the phototool 10. The frame assembly 12 or14 comprises a frame member 200 which is constructed of a metal. Theframe member 200 is generally rectangularly shaped and includes arectangularly shaped insert opening 202 forming a rectangularly shapededge 204 extending about a portion of the frame member 200.

The frame assembly 12 or 14 also includes a glass member 206 whichgenerally is rectangularly shaped thereby forming an edge 208 extendinggenerally about the outer peripheral surface of the glass member 206.The glass member 206 is sized and shaped to be disposed generally withinthe insert opening 202 so that the edge 204 of the frame member 200 isdisposed near and spaced a distance 210 from the edge 208 of the glassmember 206. The space between the frame member 200 and the glass member206 is referred to herein as the connecting space 211.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hinge assemblies 44 and 45, the struts 56 and58, the grip bars 52 and 54 and a vacuum fitting 213 are connected tothe frame members 200 of the first and second frame members 200 therebyeliminating any necessity of drilling holes in the glass members 206.The frame members 200 make it easier to attach these various componentsas opposed to attaching such components to glass, and this constructionpermits full use of the glass members 206.

In operation, the glass member 206 is inserted into the insert opening202 and visually positioned within the insert opening 202 so that theconnecting space 211 extends between the edge 208 of the glass member206 and the edge 204 of the frame member 200 generally about the outerperipheral surface of the glass member 206. The edge 208 of the glassmember 206 is connected to the edge 204 of the frame member 200 by wayof an adhesive 212 disposed in the connecting space 211 to connect theglass member 206 to the frame member 200 by way of the adhesive 212.

The present invention also contemplates an apparatus for connecting theedge 208 of the glass member 206 to the edge 204 of the frame member 200by way of the adhesive 212. Shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, is an apparatus 214adapted for connecting the edge 208 of the glass member 206 to the edge204 of the frame member 200 by way of the adhesive 212.

The thickness of the frame member 200 has a thickness whichsubstantially is the same as the thickness of the glass member 206. Theedge 208 of the glass member 206 is connected to the edge 204 of theframe member 200 in such a manner that no portions or other devices arerequired which overlap the frame member 200 and the glass member 206. Inan assembled position, the upper surface of the glass member 206 issubstantially coplanar with the upper surface of the frame member 200,and the lower surface of the glass member 206 is substantially coplanarwith the lower surface of the frame member 200.

The apparatus 214 includes a base assembly 216 having an upper supportsurface 218 constructed of a glass material. The base assembly 216 isgenerally rectangularly shaped and encloses and encompasses a componentspace 220.

The upper support surface 218 is adapted to support the frame member 200and the glass member 206 in the manner shown in FIG. 8. A fill-tubeopening 222 is formed through the upper support surface 218 and a vacuumport 224 also is formed through a portion of the upper support surface218. A notch 226 is formed in a portion of the edge 204 of the framemember 200.

The fill-tube opening 222 is positioned on the upper support surface 218so that, when the frame member 200 and the glass member 206 arepositioned on the upper support surface 218, the notch 226 and theadjacent portion of the connecting space 211 are positionable generallyover the fill-tube opening 22, for reasons to be made more apparentbelow. The vacuum port 224 is positioned on the upper support surface218 so that, when the frame member 200 and glass member 206 arepositioned on the upper support surface 218, the vacuum port 224 isspaced a distance from the frame member 200 as shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of ultraviolet lights 228 (only some ofthe ultraviolet lights being designated by the reference numeral 228 inFIG. 8) are disposed and supported within the components space 220 inthe base assembly 216. The ultraviolet lights 228 are connected to anelectrical energy source (not shown) by way of a switch (not shown). Theultraviolet lights 228 are positioned within the component space 220 sothat, when the switch is closed, electrical energy is supplied to theultraviolet lights 228, ultraviolet light is emitted therefrom throughthe glass upper support surface 218, for reasons to be made moreapparent below.

One end of a lid 234 is pivotally connected to one side of the baseassembly 216, as shown in FIG. 8. The lid 234 is sized and shaped tosubstantially encompass the upper surface of the base assembly 216 in aclosed position (shown in solid lines in FIG. 8) of the lid 234. The lid234 is constructed of a rigid frame 230, a flexible material 231, and aclosed cell sponge rubber perimeter seal 232 for containing a vacuumbetween the flexible material 231 and the upper surface 218 of theapparatus 214. The lid 234 also is movable to an opened position(partially shown in dashed lines in FIG. 8).

The apparatus 214 also includes an adhesive source 236 having a supplyof the adhesive 212 disposed therein. The adhesive source 236 isconnected to the fill-tube opening 222 by way of a conduit 238 and avalve 240 is interposed in the conduit 238 generally between theadhesive source 236 and the fill-tube opening 222. In the openedposition of the valve 240, communication is established between theadhesive 212 in the adhesive source 236 and the fill-tube opening 222and, in the closed position of the valve 240, communication isinterrupted between the adhesive 212 in the adhesive source 236 and thefill-tube opening 222.

The apparatus 214 also includes a vacuum source 242. The vacuum source242 is connected to the vacuum port 224 by way of a conduit 244 and avalve 246 is interposed in the conduit 244. In the open position of thevalve 246, communication is established between the vacuum source 242and the vacuum port 224 and, in the closed position of the valve 246,communication is interrupted between the vacuum source 242 and thevacuum port 224.

The vacuum source 242 also is connected to the adhesive source 236 byway of a conduit 248. A valve 250 is interposed in the conduit 248. Inthe open position in the valve 250, communication is established betweenthe vacuum source 242 and the adhesive source 236 and, in the closedposition of the valve 250, communication is interrupted between theadhesive source 236 and the vacuum source 242.

In operation, the frame member 200 is initially positioned on the uppersupport surface 218 so that the notch 226 is disposed generally abovethe fill-tube opening 222. The glass member 206 is inserted into theinsert opening 202 and positioned so that the connecting space 211generally is formed between the edge 208 of the glass member 206 and theedge 204 of the frame member 200 with the notch 226 and the adjacentportion of the connecting space 211 being positioned generally above thefill-tube opening 222. The lid 234 then is moved to the closed positionwherein the lid 234 cooperates with the upper support surface 218 tosubstantially enclose the frame member 200 and the glass member 206generally within a frame space 252 (shown in FIG. 8). The frame space252 substantially is airtight.

The valve 250 then is opened to establish communication between thevacuum source and the adhesive source 236. The valve 250 is retained inthe opened position for a period of time sufficient to substantiallyremove air bubbles from the adhesive 212 in the adhesive source 236.Then, the valve 250 is moved to the closed position thereby interruptingcommunication between the vacuum source 242 and the adhesive source 236.

The valve 246 then is opened to establish communication between thevacuum source and the connecting space 211 thereby establishing a vacuumgenerally within the connecting space 211. The valve 240 then is openedto establish communication between the adhesive 212 in the adhesivesource 236 and the connecting space 211. When the valve 240 is opened,the vacuum in the connecting space 211 causes the adhesive 212 in theadhesive source 236 to be pulled or sucked through the conduit 238 andthrough the notch 226 and into the connecting space 211. The adhesive212 continues to flow from the adhesive source 236 until the adhesivesubstantially fills the connecting space 211. The valve 240 then ismoved to the closed position.

In the embodiment illustrated, the adhesive 212 is flowable in anon-cured state and the adhesive 212 is curable upon exposure toultraviolet light. An adhesive of this type is commercially availablefrom Norland Products, Inc., New Brunswick, N.J. and designated NorlandOptical Adhesive No. 61.

After the adhesive 212 has filled the connecting space 211, the switchis closed thereby causing the ultraviolet lights 288 to emit ultravioletlight. The ultraviolet light is emitted through the glass upper supportsurface 218 and the adhesive 212 in the connecting space 211 is therebyexposed to ultraviolet light. The adhesive 212 in the connecting space211 is exposed to the ultraviolet light for a period of time sufficientto cure the adhesive 212. The cured adhesive 212 in the connecting space211 adhesively connects the edge 204 of the frame member 200 to the edge208 of the glass member.

The vacuum established in the frame space 252 also cooperates to pullthe frame member 200 and the glass member 206 down toward the uppersurface 218 so the lower surface of the frame member 200 substantiallyis flush or coplanar with the lower surface of the glass member 206.

Shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 are modified frame members 200a,200b, 200c, 200d and 200e having respective modified edges 204a, 204b,204c, 204d and 204e. The edges of the modified frame members are shapedto about mate with modified edges 208a, 208b, 208c, 208d and 208e ofmodified glass members 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d and 206e. Any of thesemodified edges shown in FIGS. 9-13 can be substituted for the straightedge shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The edges shown in FIGS. 9-13 have theadvantage of improving the strength of the joint between the framemember and the glass member. In each instance, the edge of one of theframe member or glass member has an irregular configuration and the edgeof the other frame member or glass member has a mating irregularconfiguration. The frame members shown in FIGS. 9-13 are connected tothe respective glass members shown in FIGS. 9-13 in a manner exactlylike that described before in connection with the frame member 200 andthe glass member 206 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

As mentioned before, the phototool 10 includes strut assemblies 56 and58. Each of the strut assemblies 56 and 58 is adapted to support thefirst frame assembly 12 in an opened position extending at an angle tothe second frame assembly 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the strut assemblies56 and 58 particularly are adapted to support the first frame assembly12 extending at an angle of about ninety degrees to the second frameassembly 14.

The strut assemblies 56 and 58 each include a portion which is movablefor varying the length of the strut assemblies 56 and 58 generallybetween the opposite ends of the strut assemblies 56 and 58 as the firstframe assembly 12 is moved to the opened position and to the closedposition. In general, the length of each strut assemblies 56 and 58 isincreased as the first frame assembly 12 is moved from the openedposition to the closed position. By the same token, the length of eachstrut assembly 56 and 58 is decreased as the first frame assembly 12 ismoved from the closed position to the opened position.

A typical strut assembly 56 or 58 is shown enlarged in FIGS. 20 and 21.The various components of the strut assembly 56 or 58 are shown ingreater detail in FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19.

Each strut assembly 56 or 58 has a first end 300 and a second end 302.The first end 300 is pivotally connected to the upper surface 36 of thesecond frame assembly 14. The second end 302 is connected to the uppersurface 24 of the first frame assembly 12.

Each strut assembly 56 or 58 includes a strut arm 304 sometimes referredto herein as the first arm (shown in greater detail in FIGS. 17 and 18)and a strut bracket 306, sometimes referred to herein as the second arm(shown in greater detail in FIGS. 14, 15 and 16).

The strut arm 304 has a first end 308 and a second end 310 (FIGS. 17 and18). The first end 308 is pivotally connected to the upper surface 36 ofthe second frame assembly 14. More particularly, the strut arm 304includes a clevis 312 (shown more clearly in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21) andthe clevis 312 is connected to the upper surface 36 of the second frameassembly 14. The first end 308 of the strut arm 304 is pivotallyconnected to the clevis 312 via a pin 314 (FIG. 19) which extendsthrough the clevis 312 and through a portion of the strut arm 304generally near the first end 308 thereof. The clevis includes a recess316 (FIG. 20) and a portion of the first arm 304 near the first end 308is sized to be slidingly disposed in the recess 316.

The strut bracket 306 has a first end 318 and a second end 320. Thesecond end 320 of the strut bracket 306 is connected to the uppersurface 24 of the first frame assembly 12 and forms the second end 302of the strut assembly 56 or 58. The second end 310 of the strut arm 304is movably connected to the first end 318 of the strut bracket 306 forvarying the length of the strut assembly 56 or 58, in a manner to bemade more apparent below.

A slot 322 (FIG. 14, 15, and 20) intersects the first end 318 of thestrut bracket 306 and the slot 322 extends a distance into the strutbracket 306 generally toward the second end 320 thereof. The slot 322also intersects an upper surface 324 and a lower surface 326 of thestrut bracket 306.

As shown more clearly in FIGS. 15 and 16, a recess 328 is formed in thelower surface 326 of the strut bracket 306 and the recess 328 extends adistance generally toward the upper surface 324 terminating with a slidesurface 330. The slide surface 330 is spaced a distance from the lowersurface 326 of the strut bracket 306. The slot 322 intersects the recess328, and the slot 322 and the recess 328 cooperate to form a space 332generally under the upper surface 324 of the strut bracket 306.

As shown in FIG. 16, a stop surface 336 is formed in the slide surface330. The stop surface 336 is disposed in the space 332 and the stopsurface 336 is disposed on opposite sides of the slot 322.

The strut arm 304 includes a reduced width narrow portion 338 which issized and shaped to slidingly fit in the slot 322 in the strut bracket306. A pin 340 (FIG. 20) is disposed through the strut arm 304 and thepin 340 extends a distance from the opposite sides of the narrow portion338 of the strut arm 304. The pin 340 engages the slide surface 330during the operation of the strut assembly 56 or 58. The pin 340 isengageable with the stop surface 336 for releaseably holding the firstarm 304 in one position with respect to the strut bracket 306.

In the closed position of the first frame assembly 12 on the secondframe assembly 14, the narrow portion 338 of the strut arm 304 ispositioned generally near the first end 318 of the strut bracket 306 andthe strut assembly 56 or 58 has its maximum length. In this position,the pin 340 is disposed on the slide surface 330 and positionedgenerally near the first end 318 of the strut bracket 306. The pin 340cooperates to maintain the strut arm 304 connected to the strut bracket306.

As the first frame assembly 12 is moved in the direction 48 toward theopened position, the narrow portions 338 of the strut arm 304 slides inthe slot 332 in a direction generally toward the second end 320 of thestrut bracket 306, thereby decreasing the overall length of the strutassembly 56 or 58. The narrow portion 338 continues to move in thisdirection in the slot 322 as the first frame assembly 12 is moved in thedirection 48 until the pin 340 passes the stop surface as the firstframe assembly 12 is moved into the opened position.

If the first frame assembly 12 tends by gravity to move in the downwarddirection 50 generally toward the closed position, the pin 340 engagesthe stop surface 336 to releaseably prevent such movement. The pin 340and the stop surface 336 thus cooperate to hold the first frame assembly12 in the opened position until intentionally moved to the closedposition.

The pin 340 is cylindrically shaped and the stop surface 340 isrelatively small and extends only a small distance into the space 332.The pin 340 and the stop surface 336 are sized and shaped to releaseablyhold the first frame member 12 in the opened position.

When it is desired to close the first frame assembly 12, an individualgrips one or both of the grip bars 52 and 54 and pulls the first frameassembly 12 in the downward direction 50. As the first frame assembly 12is pulled in the downward direction 50, the pin 340 rides over the stopsurface 336 and is disengaged therefrom. As the first frame assembly 12is moved in the downward direction 50, the narrow portion 338 of thestrut arm 304 slidingly moves in the slot 322 in a direction generallytoward the first end 318 of the strut bracket 306 until the first frameassembly 12 has been moved to the closed position.

In some instances, a user has an existing glass member and the userdesires to utilize this existing glass member. In the past, such acustomer would have to have the glass specially mounted for use as aphototool. The present invention contemplates a kit of components whichwould enable a user to adapt the user's existing glass member for use ina phototool.

The present invention contemplates a kit for assembling a first memberto a second member for forming a phototool so user will be able toutilize their own glass members and quickly and easily form such glassmembers into a phototool.

The kit contemplated by the present is illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23.The kit comprises a pair of strut assemblies 400 and 402 which areconstructed exactly like the strut assemblies 56 and 58 described indetail before, a pair of grip bars 404 and 406 which are constructedexactly like the grip bars 52 and 54 described in detail before, a pairof hinge assemblies 408 and 410 which are constructed exactly like thehinge assemblies 44 and 46 described in detail before, two front hingeplates 412 and 414, two rear hinge plates 416 and 418, a pair of strutbracket mounting plates 420 and 422, and a pair of grip bar mountingplates 424 and 426.

Shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is a first member 428 which is constructed ofglass. Also, shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is a second member 430 which alsomay be constructed of glass. Only a portion of the second member 430 isshown in FIGS. 22 and 23.

The first member 428 has a first side 432, a second side 434, a firstend 436, a second end 438, an upper surface 440 and a lower surface (notshown). The second member 430 has a first side which is aligned with thefirst side 432, a second side 442 which extends beyond the second side434 of the first member 428, a first end which is aligned with the firstend 436, a second end which is aligned with the second end 438, an uppersurface 444 and a lower surface (not shown).

One rear hinge mounting plate 416 is connected by an adhesive to theupper surface 444 of the second member 430 generally near the secondside 442 and generally near the first end. The other rear hinge mountingplate 418 is connected by an adhesive to the upper surface 444 of thesecond member 430 generally near the second side 442 and generally nearthe second end.

One front hinge mounting plate 412 is connected by an adhesive to theupper surface 440 of the first member 428 generally near the second side434 and generally near the first end 436. The other front hinge mountingplate 414 is connected by an adhesive to the upper surface 440 of thefirst member generally near the second side 434 and generally near thesecond end 438.

One of the grip bar mounting plates 424 is connected by an adhesive tothe upper surface 440 of the first member 428 generally near the firstside 432 and generally near the first end 436. The other grip barmounting plate 426 is connected by an adhesive to the upper surface 440of the first member 428 generally near the first side 432 and generallynear the second end 438.

One of the strut bracket mounting plates 420 is connected by an adhesiveto the upper surface 440 of the first member 428 and extends a distancegenerally along the first end 436. The other strut bracket mountingplate 422 is connected by an adhesive to the upper surface 440 of thefirst member 428 and extends a distance generally along near the secondend 438.

The grip bar mounting plate 424 includes a pair of tapped holes 450 and452. The grip bar 404 is connected to the grip bar mounting plate 424 bytwo fasteners 454 and 456 which extend through the grip bar 404 and intothe tapped holes 450 and 452.

The grip bar mounting plate 426 includes a pair of tapped holes 458 and460. The grip bar 406 is connected to the grip bar mounting plate 426 bytwo fasteners 462 and 464 which extend through the grip bar 406 and intothe tapped holes 458 and 460.

The strut bracket mounting plate 420 includes a pair of tapped holes 466and 468. The rear hinge plate 416 includes a tapped hole 470. The clevisof the strut assembly 400 is connected to the strut bracket mountingplate 420 by a pair of fasteners 471 and 472 which extend through thestrut arm and into the tapped holes 466 and 468. The clevis of the strutassembly 400 is connected to the rear hinge plate 416 by a fastener (notshown) which extends into the hole 470.

The strut bracket mounting plate 422 includes a pair of tapped holes 476and 478. The rear hinge mounting plate 418 includes a tapped hole 480.The strut arm of the strut assembly 402 is connected to the strutbracket mounting plate 422 by a pair of fasteners 482 and 484 whichextend through the strut arm and into the tapped holes 476 and 478. Theclevis of the strut assembly 402 is connected to the rear hinge plate418 by a fastener (not shown) which extends into the hole 480.

The rear hinge plate 416 has three additional tapped holes 486, 488, and490. The first hinge plate of the hinge assembly 408 is connected to therear hinge plate 416 via three fasteners 492, 494 and 496 which extendthrough the first hinge plate of the hinge assembly 408 and into thetapped holes 486, 488 and 490.

The front hinge plate 412 includes three tapped holes 498, 500 and 502.The second hinge plate of the hinge assembly 408 is connected to thefirst hinge plate 412 via three fasteners 504, 506 and 508 which extendsthrough the second hinge plate of the hinge assembly 408 and into thetapped holes 498, 500 and 502.

The rear hinge plate 418 has three additional tapped holes 510, 512 and514. The first hinge plate of the hinge assembly 410 is connected to therear hinge plate 418 via fasteners 516, 518 and 520 which extend throughthe first hinge plate of the hinge assembly 410 and into the tappedholes 510, 512 and 514.

The front hinge plate 414 includes three tapped holes 522, 524 and 526.The second hinge plate of the hinge assembly 410 is connected to thefront hinge plate 414 via three fasteners 528, 530 and 532 which extendthrough the second hinge plate of the hinge assembly 410 and into thetapped holes 522, 524 and 526.

The front hinge plate 412 includes an additional tapped hole 534. Avacuum fitting 536 is threaded into the tapped hole 534.

The components in the kit thus are connectable to the first and secondmembers 428 and 430 to form a phototool which functions like thephototool 10 described in detail before.

The strut assemblies 400 and 402 can be connected to the first member428 by an adhesive, thereby eliminating the mounting plates 420 and 422.Further, the grip bars 404 and 406 can be adhesively connected to thefirst member 428 thereby eliminating the mounting plates 424 and 426. Itis preferred to connect the hinge assemblies 408 and 410 and the clevisportions of the strut assemblies 400 and 402 to the second member 430via the rear hinge mounting plates 416 and 418 so these components maybe disconnected and reconnected so that shims may be installed therebetween to enable the phototool to be adjusted for accommodating circuitboard substates of various thicknesses in a flush overlying relationshipbetween the first member 428 and the second member 420.

The various mounting plates are relatively thin. In some instances, itmay be desirable to place inserts with tapped holes in the tapped holesin the various mounting plate. The fasteners then would be threaded intothe inserts.

Changes may be made in the construction and the operation of the variouscomponents and the assemblies described herein and changes may be madein the steps or sequence of steps of the methods described hereinwithout departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention asdefined in the following claims.

I claim:
 1. A phototool, comprising:a first member having an uppersurface, lower surface, a first side, a second side, a first end and asecond end; a second member having an upper surface, a lower surface, afirst side, a second side, a first end and a second end, the second sideof the second member being hingedly connected to the second side of thefirst member for moving the second member from a closed position whereinthe lower surface of the first member is disposed generally near theupper surface of the second member to an opened position wherein thefirst member is disposed at an angle with respect to the second member;a strut having a first end and second end, the first end of the strutbeing pivotally connected to the upper surface of the second member andthe second end being connected to the upper surface of the first member,a portion of the strut being movable for varying a length of the strutgenerally between the first end and the second end as the first memberis moved from the opened position to the closed position and from theclosed position to the opened position, the strut comprising: a firstarm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first armbeing pivotally connected to the upper surface of the second member andforming the first end of the strut; and a second arm having a first endand a second end the second arm being rigidly connected to the uppersurface of the first member and the second end of the second arm formingthe second end of the strut, the second end of the first arm beingpivotally and movably connected to the second arm for varying the lengthof the strut.
 2. The phototool of claim 1 defined further to comprise:aclevis connected to the upper surface of the second member and extendinga distance generally upwardly therefrom, the first end of the first armbeing pivotally connected to the clevis and the base cooperating topivotally connect the first arm to second member.
 3. The phototool ofclaim 1 defined further to comprise:at least one hinge assembly forhingedly connecting the first member to the second member, each hingeassembly comprising: a first hinge plate having a portion connectable tothe first member; a second hinge plate having a portion connectable tothe second member; a hinge shaft for connecting the first hinge plate tothe second hinge plate; means connected to the first hinge plate andhaving a portion engaging to the hinge shaft so that the hinge shaftsubstantially is not rotatable within said means and so that the hingeshaft substantially is not movable in said means in axial or radialdirections relative to the hinge shaft; and means connected to thesecond hinge plate and having a portion engaging to the hinge shaft sothat the second hinge plate substantially is not movable in axial orradial directions and so a minimum contact surface area exists generallybetween said means and the hinge shaft for permitting rotation of saidmeans and the second hinge plate connected thereto generally about thehinge shaft, the hinge shaft extending through the means connected tothe first hinge plate and through the means connected to the secondhinge plate for connecting the first hinge plate to the second hingeplate.
 4. The phototool of claim 3 wherein the means having a portionconnected to the second hinge plate is defined further to include anopening having a diameter about the same size as the diameter of thehinge shaft so that an interference fit is established between the hingeshaft and said means and wherein said opening is sized to define theminimum contact surface area.
 5. A phototool, comprisinga first memberhaving an upper surface, lower surface, a first side, a second side, afirst end and a second end; a second member having an upper surface, alower surface, a first side, a second side, a first end and a secondend, the second side of the second member being hingedly connected tothe second side of the first member for moving the second member from aclosed position wherein the lower surface of the first member isdisposed generally near the upper surface of the second member to anopened position wherein the first member is disposed at an angle withrespect to the second member; and a strut having a first end and asecond end, the first end of the strut being pivotally connected to theupper surface of the second member and the second end being connected tothe upper surface of the first member, a portion of the strut beingmovable for varying a length of the strut generally between the firstend and the second end as the first member is moved from the openedposition to the closed position and from the closed position to theopened position the strut comprising:a first arm having a first end anda second end, a first end of the first arm being pivotally connected tothe upper surface of the second member and forming the first end of thestrut; and a second arm having a first end and a second end, the secondend of the second arm being connected to the upper surface of the firstmember and forming the second end of the strut, the second end of thefirst arm being movably connected to the second arm for varying thelength of the strut, a slot being formed through the first end of thesecond arm and extending a distance therethrough generally toward thesecond end of the second arm, the second end of the first arm beingslidingly disposed in the second arm.
 6. The phototool of claim 5wherein the second arm has an upper surface and a lower surface, thelower surface of the second arm being disposed generally adjacent theupper surface of the first member, the slot in the second armintersecting the lower surface of the second arm.
 7. The phototool ofclaim 6 wherein the slot intersects the upper surface of the second arm.8. The phototool of claim 7 wherein the second arm is defined further toinclude a recess formed in the lower surface of the second arm andextending a distance generally toward the upper surface thereofterminating with slide surface formed in the second arm, the slidesurface being spaced a distance from the lower surface of the secondarm, a notch being formed in the slide surface generally near the slotforming a stop surface, and wherein the first arm is defined further ashaving a portion thereof near the second end sized and shaped toslidingly fit with the slot in the second arm thereby forming a slideportion on the second end of the first arm, the slide portion of thefirst arm fits in the slot in the second arm, and wherein the strut isdefined further to comprise:means on the first arm engagable with thestop surface on the second arm for releaseably holding the first arm inone position with respect to the second arm.
 9. The phototool of claim 8wherein the means for releasably holding the first arm in the oneposition with respect to the second arm is defined further to comprise:apin disposed through the slide portion of the first arm generally nearthe second end of the first arm, the pin engaging the slide surface toretain the slide portions in the slot and the pin being engagable withthe stop surface to releasably hold the first arm in one position withrespect to the second arm.
 10. A phototool, comprising:a first memberhaving an upper surface, lower surface, a first side, a second side, afirst end and a second end; a second member having an upper surface, alower surface, a first side, a second side, a first end and a secondend, the second side of the second member being hingedly connected tothe second side of the first member for moving the second member from aclosed position wherein the lower surface of the first member isdisposed generally near the upper surface of the second member to anopened position wherein the first member is disposed at an angle withrespect to the second member; a strut having a first end and a secondend, the first end of the strut being pivotally connected to the uppersurface of the second member and the second end being connected to theupper surface of the first member, a portion of the strut being movablefor varying a length of the strut generally between the first end andthe second end as the first member is moved from the opened position tothe closed position and from the closed position to the opened position;at least one hinge assembly for hingedly connecting the first member tothe second member, each hinge assembly comprising:a first hinge platehaving a portion connectable to the second member; a second hinge platehaving a portion connectable to the first member; a hinge shaft forconnecting the first hinge plate to the second hinge plate; meansconnected to the first hinge plate and having a portion engaging to thehinge shaft so that the hinge shaft substantially is not rotatablewithin said means and so that the hinge shaft substantially is notmovable in said means in axial or radial directions relative to thehinge shaft, comprising:at least one protrusion, each protrusion havingone end connected to the first hinge plate and each protrusion extendinga distance from the first hinge plate terminating with an opposite end,each protrusion having a first side and a second side and an openingextending therethrough intersecting the first and the second sides, theprotrusion being spaced a distance apart on the first hinge plate; atleast one non-rotating insert, each non-rotating insert being insertablegenerally through the opening formed in one of the protrusion and eachnon-rotatable insert having an opening extending therethrough, eachopening having an diameter about the same size as the diameter of thehinge shaft and the opening in each non-rotatable insert being sized toreceive a portion of hinge shaft extending therethrough therebyestablishing an interference fit between non-rotating insert and thehinge shaft, the hinge shaft being substantially non-rotatable withinsaid opening, non-rotating insert and the hinge shaft; and meansconnected to second hinge plate and having a portion engaging to thehinge shaft so that the second hinge plate substantially is not movablein axial or radial directions and so a minimum contact surface areaexists generally between said means and the hinge shaft for permittingrotation of said means and the second hinge plate connected theretogenerally about the hinge shaft, the hinge shaft extending through themeans connected to the first hinge plate and through the means connectedto the second hinge plate for connecting the first hinge plate to thesecond hinge plate.
 11. The phototool of claim 10 wherein eachnon-rotating insert is defined further as being constructed of plastic,and wherein the hinge shaft is defined further as being constructed of ametal.
 12. The phototool of claim 10 wherein means connected to thesecond hinge plate is defined further to include:at least one protrusionconnected to the second hinge plate, each protrusion having one endconnected to the second hinge plate and extending a distance therefromterminating with the opposite end and each protrusion having a firstside and a second side, each protrusion being insertable generallybetween two adjacent spaced apart protrusions connected to the firsthinge plate and each protrusion having an opening extending therethroughintersecting the first and the second sides thereof; and at least onerotating insert, each rotating insert being insertable generally withinthe opening in one of the protrusions connected to the second hingeplate and each rotating insert having an opening extending therethroughsized to receive a portion of the hinge shaft, the opening in eachinsert having a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of thehinge shaft so the hinge shaft substantially is non-movable in theopening and the interference fit being established between each of therotating inserts and the hinge shaft and the opening in the rotatinginserts defining the area of minimum contract.
 13. The phototool ofclaim 12 wherein each non-rotating insert is defined further toinclude:a first insert having a first end and a second end and anopening extending therethrough and intersecting the first and the secondends thereof and a cap being formed on the first end of the first inserteach first insert being insertable through the opening in one of theprotrusions connected to the first hinge plate and extending a distancetherein to a position wherein the cap on the first insert generallyabuts the first side of the protrusion; and a second insert having afirst end and a second end with an opening extending therethroughintersecting the first and the second ends thereof, each second insertbeing insertable through the opening in one of the protrusion connectedto the first hinge plate to a position wherein the cap on the secondinsert abuts the second side of the protrusion and the second insertextends a distance through the opening in the protrusion to a positionwherein the second end of the second insert is disposed generally nearthe second end of the first insert and the openings through the firstand the second inserts are generally aligned, the openings through thefirst and the second inserts each having a diameter about the same asthe diameter of the hinge shaft to establish the interference fitbetween each of the non-rotating inserts and the hinge shaft.
 14. Thephototool of claim 13 wherein each of the first and the second insertsare defined further as being constructed of a plastic, and wherein thehinge shaft is defined further as being constructed of a metal.
 15. Thephototool of claim 14 wherein each rotating insert is defined further toinclude:a first cap having an opening extending therethrough, each firstcap being insertable generally within the opening in one of theprotrusions connected to the second hinge plate to a position whereinthe first cap engages the first side of the protrusion; and a second caphaving an opening extending therethrough, each second cap beinginsertable through the opening in one of the protrusions connected tothe second hinge plate to a position wherein each second cap engages thesecond side of one of the protrusions connected to the second hingeplate, the openings in each of the first and the second caps having adiameter about the same as the diameter of the hinge shaft to establishthe interference fit between the rotating inserts and the hinge shaft,and the openings in the first and the second caps defining the minimumcontact surface area for permitting rotation of the first and the secondcap and the second hinge plate connected thereto generally about thehinge shaft.
 16. The phototool of claim 15 wherein each non-rotatinginsert is defined further to include:a first insert having a first endand a second end and an opening extending therethrough and intersectingthe first and the second ends thereof and a cap being formed on thefirst end of the first insert each first insert being insertable throughthe opening in one of the protrusions connected to the first hinge plateand extending a distance therein to a position wherein the cap on thefirst insert generally abuts the first side of the protrusion; and asecond insert having a first end and a second end with an openingextending therethrough intersecting the first and the second endsthereof, each second insert being insertable through the opening in oneof the protrusion connected to the first hinge plate to a positionwherein the cap on the second insert generally abuts the second side ofthe protrusion and the second insert extends a distance through theopening in the protrusion to a position wherein the second end of thesecond insert is disposed generally near the second end of the firstinsert and the openings through the first and the second inserts aregenerally aligned, the openings through the first and the second insertseach having a diameter about the same as the diameter of the hinge shaftto establish the interference fit between each of the non-rotatinginserts and the hinge shaft.
 17. The phototool of claim 16 wherein eachrotating insert is defined further to include:a brace having a first endand a second end and an opening extending therethrough and intersectingthe first and the second ends, the first end of the brace beingconnectable to the first cap and the second end of the brace beingconnectable to the second cap and the opening through the brace having adiameter larger than the diameter of the hinge shaft, the hinge shaftextending through the openings in the first and the second caps andthrough the opening in the brace in the connected position of the firstand the second hinge plates.
 18. The phototool of claim 17 wherein eachof the first and the second caps are defined further as beingconstructed of a plastic, and wherein the hinge shaft is defined furtheras being constructed of a metal.